According to the Southern Metropolis Daily cited by AP, witnesses have described hearing three loud blasts at the site recognized as Fuhua Engineering and Manufacturing Co.

[REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE] A gas explosion that took place at an auto parts factory killed 17 people and injured 20 on Wednesday morning in the southern Chinese city of FoshanReuters

A gas explosion that took place at an auto parts factory killed 17 people and injured 20 on Wednesday morning in the southern Chinese city of Foshan, officials have confirmed.

Various news sources have reported citing district officials in Foshan that rescue work is under way at the site of the explosion.

According to the Southern Metropolis Daily cited by AP, witnesses have described hearing three loud blasts at the site recognised as Fuhua Engineering and Manufacturing Co. The walls and ceiling of the facility were destroyed on impact; witnesses have said adding that the blasts also damaged a nearby glass factory and other plants.

Pictures from local websites and social media reveal that the blasts blew off the building's structure. Other images also showed people lying on the ground wounded.